-Guest post by Charity George
Too often I wait till I’ve reached the light at the end of the tunnel, to be thankful.
“Thank you that those test results turned out good.”
“Thank you that the pain is gone.”
But what if that light at the end of the tunnel is…just more tunnel, or a light shrouded in a veil, or not a light at all. What if the grief never ends? The sense of loss follows you. How do you thank God then?
My life has not turned out the way I expected. At the age of 26 I found myself in the middle of a catastrophic medical mystery. A shadow of unknown origin suddenly appeared in my brain stem, and within a month I found myself completely paralyzed, unable to speak or eat.
It was so beyond any of my wildest thoughts for my future. I felt like a spectator watching a nightmare unfold. Slowly a few of my functions came back, different, and incomplete.
Still wheelchair bound with a shaky voice; the light at the end of that tunnel did not inspire me to thank God, but I knew what He was asking of me.“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5: 16-18; ESV.
So I’ve tried it.
”I may not feel it God, but God, You don’t say to thank only when I feel like it.”
“Thank you, for the Peace you are giving me as I wonder about these tests.”
“Thank you for the patience to try reaching that sock for the past 10 minutes….”
And you know what I’ve discovered?
Charity and husband Jeremy George
- My own attitude in life changing.
- My enjoyment of living.
- My circumstances didn’t change, but I began to see them in a different light.
- God took moments of thankfulness and turned them into brightness in my life.
There was a different light at the end of the tunnel. It was completely different, but still beautiful.
J.D. Wininger
Dear Ms. Charity and Ms. Sylvia; sometimes I’m not even sure if I’m in the same tunnel anymore, so I can certainly appreciate your inspiring words on the importance of being thankful for all God is, and does. I can’t think of anyone whose life has turned out as they dreamed it would. I’ve come close perhaps; now with a loving wife, peaceful little ranch, and wonderful “family of faith”, but the journey here was nothing I had planned. I wonder how much “plan changing” God has to do for us because we aren’t following His plan? Your post makes me want to thank Him for all His patience with me ma’am. God’s blessings ladies, and Happy Thanksgiving.
Phyllis Hood Buckman
Oh, what a grace God shows when we trust in Him! I admire your faith, young lady! At 71 years of age my life has certainly not turned out as I had planned in my youth, and I thank God everyday for His saving grace that pulled me from that dark, dark tunnel that was leading nowhere but down. I still have trials … every day, but my trust grows daily as I see the love of Christ and the providence of God in all that colors my life! May He be praised and glorified!
Sylvia A Schroeder
Thank you Phyllis. Indeed, may he be praised and glorified no matter where our tunnels lead!
Barb Fox
Charity, I watched your beautiful video. Heart-wrenching yet you communicated hope not despair. You are an amazing woman. May God continue to strengthen you and continue to restore joy in you and your family.
Sylvia A Schroeder
Barb, Thank you for watching the video. God is indeed amazing in all this journey.
Sylvia A Schroeder
Thanks J.D. I like the way you put it…Sometimes I’m not even sure if I’m in the same tunnel anymore…that is so right!! Thanks for your encouragement again. Happy Thanksgiving!
Joanna Eccles
Thanks so much for sharing! Your honesty in how life didn’t turn out as you expected, and yet you are seeing God as beautiful is so encouraging. God gives grace for every circumstances, even when we can’t do it ourselves.
Sylvia A Schroeder
Joanna, I am so very grateful for the testimony of God’s grace through my daughter’s life. You are so right, we can’t do it ourselves. Thank you for commenting. I’m glad you were encouraged by her post.
Joyce Worrell
Love your messages and can see God in them. May you have a very blessed thanksgiving.
Sylvia A Schroeder
Joyce, Thanks. I appreciate you reading, and your prayers through a difficult journey. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Carol Hansen
Those were some very dark and difficult days, weeks and months. I know it is still difficult, but I witnessed some great workings of God in you, as you progressed in you recovery. Prayers that God would bless you and keep you and that His face would shine upon you and your sweet family.
Sylvia Schroeder
Carol, Thank you. I remember well how much you blessed our lives during those days. Thank you.
andrew brucato
you are a hero charity! thanks for the reflection.
Silvia you are a hero Mom.
Sylvia A Schroeder
Charity is maybe. Me? Hardly! But thanks Andy!! And Jesus. Definitely.
Jeanne Doyon
Thank you for this beautiful word, Charity. There are so many times we don’t understand, yet we can know that God is good and He is with us. Your testimony will encourage so many.
Sherry Carter
How beautiful, Charity. My tunnel was caused by the sin of another person. I found that I couldn’t begin to move toward the end until I forgave that person. It was hard and took me a long time. Once God had cleansed my heart of bitterness, then I was able to praise and thank Him while still in the darkness.